Bunting universal trainer

ABSTRACT

A system is provided comprising a first and second semi-cylindrical open column, one column each configured to couple with forearms of a user and a first and second elbow coupling extension attached at approximately ninety-degree angles to the first and second column, respectively. The system also comprises a first and second raised bracket plate positioned lengthwise along the first and second column, respectively, each bracket plate containing three apertures and a bracket configured to connect the bracket plates, the bracket containing apertures for attachment to apertures on the bracket plates. The system also comprises a neck strap about thirty-six inches in length, each of two ends of the neck strap attached to the bracket. Attachment of the strap to the bracket and of the bracket to the bracket plates restrict arm motion during athletic training.

CROSS- REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 62/496,799 entitled “BUNTING UNIVERSALTRAINER” filed 31 Oct. 2016 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING PROVIDED AS ATEXT FILE

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes of referencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELEVANT PRIOR ART

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to an apparatus for assisting persons participating in at least the sports of baseball and softball to learn proper bunting and slap-hitting techniques. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention relate two semi-cylindrical columns, one each for attachment to a user's forearms and each with elbow couplings, a bracket to adjustably connect the columns at bracket plates attached to each column, and an adjustable neck strap attached to the bracket to assist in maintaining the user's position and restrict the user's arm movement.

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that persons attempting to master the technique of bunting commonly make mistakes including extending arms beyond correct distance and assuming a stance which is not optimal for bunting.

Bunting is difficult as a batter is attempting to lightly hit a ball thrown at a high speed such that after being contacted by the bat, the ball travels slowly with a backspin and for a relatively short distance. A well-executed bunt may consequently be difficult for defensive players to cleanly field and retire the batter or other baserunners. Bunting is also mentally challenging and risky because bunting is often called for when there are baserunners who have been instructed to begin advancing to the next base immediately upon the ball being pitched. Such advancing baserunners are at risk of being thrown out if the bunt is not executed properly. Bunting is also often called for in late innings of baseball games in which the score may be close. Further, opposing players often know when a batter is likely to attempt a bunt based on a game's situation. The outcome of an entire game can depend on whether a bunt is properly executed.

Proper bunting calls for precise body positioning wherein positioning of nearly all parts of the body from head and neck down to feet is important. Of critical positioning is the upper body including torso and arms. Arms need to be held in a non-extended position and the bat must be held level and horizontal. The upper body must be held flexible but still such that the arms may move appropriately but not beyond proper distance. Improper bunting may also result in injury as the batter may be hit in the face, hands, legs or feet by an incorrectly hit ball.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trainer depicted in a non-assembled state with key components depicted with the exception of bracket plates which are positioned on underside portions of columns and are hence not visible.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trainer depicted in a fully assembled state with bracket plates visible and shown attached to a bracket connecting the two columns and a portion of the neck strap also depicted and attached to the bracket.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure with a portion of the trainer shown in a close-up view, the column and connected elbow coupling shown for a batter's right arm as well as a spring-loaded latch of the neck strap coupled to the bracket.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the full system depicted in completely assembled state and ready for use. A front view is provided depicting the columns with attached elbow couplers for placement of the user's forearms and elbows. The user would in practice holding a bat raise his/her forearms at an angle to meet the oncoming ball and execute the desired bunt or slap-hit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trainer depicted from an underside perspective, such depiction exhibiting connection of the bracket to bracket plates associated with each column and further exhibiting a portion of the neck strap including connection of the neck strap to the bracket via clips at the ends of the neck strap.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in use with the trainer being worn by a user in a proper batting stance including bending of knees, placement of feet and limited extension of arms.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in use with the trainer being worn by a user that has pivoted to a bunting position with the bat even and parallel to the ground.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in use with the trainer being worn by a user bending at the knees to contact the ball instead of reaching and/or angling the bat, with the bat depicted as still properly parallel to the ground.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claims should be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” and may accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word, specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words of approximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as “substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”, “essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, it is well settle law, as early as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in the claims even when such limits are not defined or specified in the specification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of the claims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not be entirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art” as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See Energy Absorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264, slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v. Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ81, 94 (Fed. Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use of modifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not by itself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. Industrial Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like “substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”, connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No. 2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010) Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote either language of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e] term [“substantially”] as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway” limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as a substitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinary meaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearly at the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsole and the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, the term ‘substantially’ is well recognize in case law to have the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly used by claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patents do not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether the thickness of the wall surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term ‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus, the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); see also Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We find that the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in the claims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness” denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying ‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broaden the meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase ‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection (e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relying on such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are clear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description herein or the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present written description, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitations to any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under such circumstances, relying on the written description and prosecution history to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the words themselves is impermissible. See, for example, Liquid Dynamics Corp. v. Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.” The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,” rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precise numeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” We noted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely or approximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecution history imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed for narrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor Wall Systems v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed. Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of Claim 1 requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returns precisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arises only as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dual ordinary meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude; e.g., see Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert. denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe the meaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon, 279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes language of approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifies language of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial.”). Also, see, e.g., Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and “substantially below”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus., Inc., 206 F.3d 1408 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantially inward”); York Prods., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entire height thereof”); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d 1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in the common plane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed to begin with the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinary skill in the art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionaries and our cases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerous ordinary meanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” can mean “significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” can also mean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th Century Dictionary 1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also be used in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the end points are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003) where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning of the phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. As pointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” is nonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e.g., painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out by Sollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is to include that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seating capacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numerical limit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint is included.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, as sanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is well established that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably to describe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood by persons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise see Verve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed. Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patent documents when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order to accommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure the invention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly point out and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. § 112, and indeed may be necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of his invention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usages such as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve to describe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology and without intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’ is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to ‘avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter, see Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modify the term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such that there is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term “substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to “avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g., see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting that terms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,” and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims and that such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimed subject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have been accepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case, “substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where, for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42 USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said “It is realized that “substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, or phrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon in patents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning can be determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason, Applicants submit that it is improper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of the present patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

References to a “device,” an “apparatus,” a “system,” etc., in the preamble of a claim should be construed broadly to mean “any structure meeting the claim terms” exempt for any specific structure(s)/type(s) that has/(have) been explicitly disavowed or excluded or admitted/implied as prior art in the present specification or incapable of enabling an object/aspect/goal of the invention. Furthermore, where the present specification discloses an object, aspect, function, goal, result, or advantage of the invention that a specific prior art structure and/or method step is similarly capable of performing yet in a very different way, the present invention disclosure is intended to and shall also implicitly include and cover additional corresponding alternative embodiments that are otherwise identical to that explicitly disclosed except that they exclude such prior art structure(s)/step(s), and shall accordingly be deemed as providing sufficient disclosure to support a corresponding negative limitation in a claim claiming such alternative embodiment(s), which exclude such very different prior art structure(s)/step(s) way(s).

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of the invention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the invention necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use of phrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are never meant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should instead be understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention” includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean a human or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplated to mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, without limitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), and end user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) of description, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (or may not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, is generally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stage user(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity of different types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process. Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels of embodiments of the invention comprising consumed retail products/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or Original Equipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, without limitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”, “enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of or interaction, with some aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention may provide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in the foregoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodiments targeting various stages of the usage process are described, references to “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generally intended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in the foregoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment of the present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distribution channels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) may include, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect to selling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”, “creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context or particular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, it should be understood that such characterizations are sole by way of example, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any such usage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection with making, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of the present invention may be substituted by such similar performed by a suitably configured non-living entity, to include, without limitation, automated machines, robots, humanoids, computational systems, information processing systems, artificially intelligent systems, and the like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachings of the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to be suitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus to also cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, at least in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe the mechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein, without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.

Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or context for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a system cache . . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from including additional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structure by indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) the task even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The mechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or “operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms, structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a mechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for” perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph, for that mechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions, concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon a specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claim elements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of” (or variations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter (see Norian Corp. v Stryker Corp., 363 F.3d 1321, 1331-32, 70 USPQ2d 1508, Fed. Cir. 2004). Moreover, for any claim of the present invention which claims an embodiment “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” a certain set of elements of any herein described embodiment it shall be understood as obvious by those skilled in the art that the present invention also covers all possible varying scope variants of any described embodiment(s) that are each exclusively (i.e., “consisting essentially of”) functional subsets or functional combination thereof such that each of these plurality of exclusive varying scope variants each consists essentially of any functional subset(s) and/or functional combination(s) of any set of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein. That is, it is contemplated that it will be obvious to those skilled how to create a multiplicity of alternate embodiments of the present invention that simply consisting essentially of a certain functional combination of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein, and the invention thus covers all such exclusive embodiments as if they were each described herein.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of ” where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by “consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of”, and thus, for the purposes of claim support and construction for “consisting of” format claims, such replacements operate to create yet other alternative embodiments “consisting essentially of” only the elements recited in the original “comprising” embodiment to the exclusion of all other elements.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

In the following description and claims, the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of designs for systems and methods of training baseball and softball players to execute bunting and slap-hitting more successfully. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a bunting universal trainer is provided to help players learn the precise motions and develop the muscle memory required to successfully bunt and slap-hit, and without the common injuries that can occur from improperly attempting these baseball and softball maneuvers.

The trainer restricts motion and the motion restriction trains users to the proper stances and responses required for successful bunting and slap-hitting. It features columns worn on the arms, a bracket that attaches to the columns and restricts the wearer's motion, and a strap that attaches to the bracket and is worn around the neck of the user to prevent the user from reaching. The bracket does not have to be adjustable and neither does the strap.

The trainer consists of semi-cylindrical columns that apply to the forearms, and elbow rests cap these columns at one length-end. A bracket attaches to the columns at strategic points, which restricts their motion. A padded neck strap of adjustable length attaches to the bracket, as well.

The trainer may help train players in key strategical maneuvers of baseball and softball. Players may learn the proper procedure of bunting in baseball and softball and learn the proper procedure of slap-hitting in softball.

The trainer applies directly upon the arms and about the neck of players in training and restricts the motion of the arms of its users. It keeps the arms of its user in proper positions and ensures that user can only move their arms in proper positions and motions.

Systems and methods allow batters to maintain ordinary batting stances during uses, allow users to move from batting stances to bunting stances, and restrict users from motion beyond bunting stances. Users are prevented from moving arms inappropriately and from raising or lowering a bat by arm motion only. The trainer ensures that users must raise or lower bats by bending of the knees and further ensures that users maintain bats in proper horizontal positions during bunting and slap-hitting procedures.

The trainer permits rotation of the wrist when worn which may allow slap-hits to be conducted. Over-motion of the wearer during slap-hit procedure is prevented. Training in these batting methods in much faster formats than ordinary training is facilitated. Users may also more rapidly develop muscle memory of the proper stances and motions for bunting and slap-hitting.

The columns and bracket of the trainer restrict how a player moves his or her arms, preventing any single-arm motion, thus preventing any angled positioning of the bat. The neck strap of the device prevents a player from moving the arm toward the ball when bunting, too. That strap also restricts the arms from moving up and down independently, forcing the player to adjust bat height with only their knees.

The columns of the trainer may be made of various materials, such as but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The columns can be made in various sizes, and/or can be made in a specific range of sizes for use by wearers of different ages and sizes. The columns can be made in telescoping variations, and to ensure individual fit by multiple wearers and may feature padding to ensure wearer comfort.

The bracket may be made of various applicable materials, such as but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The bracket may be of various lengths, and/or can be made in a specific range of lengths for use by wearers of different ages and sizes.

The neck strap may be of various lengths, and/or in one length that can be adjustable for individual fit upon the user. The neck strap may be made of various materials, such as but not limited to polyester, nylon, and blends of these and other materials. The neck strap may or may not include padding or other features and/or modifications to ensure comfort upon the wearer.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trainer depicted in a non-assembled state with key components depicted with the exception of bracket plates which are positioned on underside portions of columns and are hence not visible. Depicted in FIG. 1 are columns 102, 104, bracket 106, neck strap 108, and neck padding 110. The columns 102, 104 are semi-cylindrical for wear on the forearms and the neck strap 108 is length-adjustable. Also depicted in FIG. 1 are apertures 116, 118, 120, 122 in the bracket 106 and clips 112, 114 on either end of the neck strap 108.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trainer 100 depicted in a fully assembled state with bracket plates 236, 238 visible and shown attached to the bracket 106 connecting the two columns 102, 104. A portion of the neck strap 108 is also depicted and is attached to the bracket 106. The bracket plate 236 includes apertures 224, 226, 228. The bracket plate 238 includes apertures 230, 232, 234.

The aperture 116 on the bracket 106 may attach via screw to any of the apertures 224, 226, 228 on the bracket plate 236. The aperture 122 on the bracket 106 may attach via screw to any of the apertures 230, 232, 234 on the bracket plate 238. Placements of these components may depend on a variety of factors including gender and physical size of user, ability level of user, if the user is left or right handed, and whether the trainer 100 is to be used for training in bunting, slap-hitting or some other activity.

Depicted in FIG. 2 are also the clips 112, 114 at the ends of the neck strap 102. The clips 112, 114 are coupled to apertures 118, 120 of the bracket 106. As noted, the neck strap 102 may be adjusted to more closely accommodate the requirements of the user and nature and goals of the training.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure with a portion of the trainer 100 shown in a close-up view, the column 102 and connected elbow coupling shown for a batter's right arm as well as a spring-loaded latch 112 of the neck strap 108 coupled to the bracket 106. The latch 112 attaches to the bracket 106 via the aperture 118.

FIG. 4 is a diagram the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the full system depicted in completely assembled state and ready for use. A front view is provided depicting the columns 102, 104 with attached elbow couplers for placement of the user's forearms and elbows. The user would in practice holding a bat raise his/her forearms at an angle to meet the oncoming ball and execute the desired bunt or slap-hit

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trainer 100 depicted from an underside perspective. This perspective exhibits connection of the bracket 106 to bracket plates 236, 238 associated with each column 102, 104 and further exhibits a portion of the neck strap 108 including connection of the neck strap 108 to the bracket 106 via clips 112, 114 at the ends of the neck strap 108.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in use with the trainer 100 being worn by a user in a proper batting stance including bending of knees, placement of feet and extension of arms. The neck strap 108 is visible around the user's neck and will prevent the user from lowering his arms beyond the proper level. The trainer 100 will also cause the user to keep the bat horizontal as the user turns or “squares” to bunt once the pitch is thrown. The trainer 100 may also cause the user to keep his left elbow from raising up, a reflexive action that might cause the bat to tilt off the desired horizontal plane.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in use with the trainer 100 being worn by a user that has pivoted or “squared” to a bunting position with the bat even and parallel to the ground. This may be an initial position assumed by a batter when initially moving from a straight batting stance to a bunting stance. The forearms are raised properly, the bat is held at a horizontal level which is correct, and the batter's eyes are looking forward to the oncoming ball.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the bunting universal trainer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in use with the trainer 100 being worn by a user bending at the knees to contact the ball instead of reaching and/or angling the bat, with the bat depicted as still parallel to the ground. The view in FIG. 8 may be elapsed after the view in FIG. 7. The batter in FIG. 8 has bent his knees from the previously depicted position to effectively “meet” the ball as it approaches. But as in FIG. 7, the batter has maintained the bat in proper horizontal position as he lowers the bat by bending his knees.

The two columns 102, 104 are open semi-cylinders with an approximate length of ten inches (10″). For approximately the first six inches (6″) of this length, the semi-cylinders have diameter of five inches (5″). For the remaining four inches (4″) of length the walls of these semi-cylinders taper in angular decline, leading to an endpoint with a width of approximately two and one-half inches (2½″). From this tapered endpoint of each column 102, 104 does an L-extension project at a ninety-degree (90) angle from the concave area. While extending in the same width of two and one-half inches (2½″) for approximately one inch (1″) in length, this L-extension extends to the same semi-cylindrical design of the base of the column 102, 104 for an additional three inches (3″) in length.

Upon the apex point of the convex area of the ten-inch (10″) columns 102, 104, and for a centered eight inches (8″) of length, are raised bracket plates 236, 238. These bracket plates 236, 238 each feature three (3) apertures 224, 226, 228 and apertures 230, 232, 234, respectively, the first of which is at the length-center of these plates 236, 238, and with remaining apertures approximately one inch (1″) from each endpoint.

For attachment to the columns 102, 104 is the bracket 106 of an approximate sixteen-inch length by one-inch width (16″×1″), and which has four (4) apertures 116, 118, 120, 122. Two (2) of said apertures 116, 122 are approximately a half-inch (½″) from the endpoints of the bracket 106; one (1) aperture 116 connects by screw to the topmost aperture 224 of the bracket plate 236 on one ten-inch (10″) column 102, while the second aperture 122 connects by screw to the centered aperture 232 of the other column 104. The remaining two (2) apertures 118, 120 in the bracket 106 are approximately two inches (2″) from each endpoint of the bracket 106.

Attachable to those remaining two (2) apertures 118, 120 is the neck strap 108, which may be made of woven polyester. The neck strap 108 is approximately thirty-six inches (36″) long, and has a length-adjustment feeder near one (1) endpoint. At each endpoint of the strap 108 is a clip 112, 114 with spring-operated lever that allows attachment to the apertures 118, 120 of the bracket 106. Encasing the strap 108 is a cushioned sleeve, made of polyurethane (PU) foam of an approximate one-inch (1″) diameter.

A right-handed batter may attach the bracket 106 to the top aperture 224 in the right bracket plate 236, and to the middle aperture 230 in the left bracket plate 238 (and vise-versa in aperture selection for a left-handed batter).

The user may them drape the strap 108 from the back of his or her neck, and apply his or her arms into the columns 102, 104, ensuring that the elbows are within the L-extension portions. The length of the strap 108 can be adjusted to ensure proper fitting upon the individual user.

The user can then practice bunting and slap-hitting. When entering the stances for such maneuvers, the arms of the user will be automatically restricted in order to maintain the bat in a horizontal, ground-parallel position. Should he or she attempt to raise or lower the bat individually to meet a ball for bunting, and instead of the proper motion of lowering the body with the knees, or should the user attempt to move the bat forward to the ball, the strap 108 will restrict and prevent such motions.

In this practicing procedure, the user can learn the proper methods of such procedures much faster than by ordinary practice methods, and can even develop muscle memory of these proper methods.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC § 112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC § 112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC § 112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^(rd) parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC § 112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC § 112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a design for a system of training a batter to execute bunting and slap-hitting more effectively according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the design for assisting improvement in bunting and slap-hitting skills may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the system of limiting arm and upper body movement may lend itself, however, to similar techniques that may instead be applied to any type of physical activity. Such implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. That is, the Abstract is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a first and second semi-cylindrical open column, one column each configured to couple with forearms of a user; a first and second elbow coupling extension attached at approximately ninety-degree angles to the first and second column, respectively; a first and second raised bracket plate positioned lengthwise along the first and second column, respectively, each bracket plate containing three apertures; a bracket configured to connect the bracket plates, the bracket containing apertures for attachment to apertures on the bracket plates; and a neck strap about thirty-six inches in length, each of two ends of the neck strap attached to the bracket, whereby attachment of the neck strap to the bracket and attachment of the bracket to the bracket plates restrict user arm motion during athletic training.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereby the athletic training is associated with bunting and slap-hitting in the sports of baseball and softball.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereby the system restricts motion of the user's arms.
 4. The system of claim 3, whereby the columns are about ten inches in length.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereby the first and second bracket plates are attached to the first and second columns, respectively, on convex sides of the columns opposite concave sides of the columns against which the user's forearms are positioned.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereby apertures on each bracket plate are positioned with a first aperture located at a length-center of the bracket plate and second and third apertures positioned approximately one inch from each end point of the bracket plate.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereby the bracket is made of at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
 8. The system of claim 7, whereby the bracket comprises four apertures, a first and second aperture each positioned approximately one half-inch from opposite ends of the bracket.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereby a third and fourth aperture of the bracket are positioned approximately two inches from each endpoint of the bracket.
 10. The system of claim 9, whereby the first aperture connects by screw to a topmost aperture of the bracket plate on the first column and the second aperture connects by screw to a centered aperture on the second column.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereby the neck strap has a length adjustment feature.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereby each end of the neck strap has a clip with a spring-operated lever promoting attachment to the third and fourth apertures.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereby apertures on the bracket plate permit adjustment to accommodate left-handed batters and right-handed batters.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereby the neck strap includes a pad for placement against a back area of a neck of a user.
 15. The system of claim 14, whereby each column and associated elbow coupling extension comprises a single continuous component.
 16. The system of claim 15, whereby the length adjustment feature of the neck strap promotes use of the system by users of various physical sizes and athletic abilities.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereby a cushioned sleeve encases the neck strap.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereby the cushioned sleeve is made of polyurethane (PU) foam and is approximately one inch in diameter.
 19. A system comprising: a means for coupling a first and second semi-cylindrical open column with forearms of a user, one column each per user forearm; a means for coupling a first and second elbow coupling extension to elbows of the user, the first and second extensions attached at approximately ninety-degree angles to the first and second column, respectively; a means for positioning a first and second raised bracket plate lengthwise along the first and second column, respectively, each bracket plate containing three apertures; a means for connecting a bracket to the bracket plates, the bracket containing apertures for attachment to apertures on the bracket plates; a means of attaching each of two ends of a neck strap of about thirty-six inches in length to the bracket, and a means of restricting user arm motion during athletic training via attachment of the neck strap to the bracket and attachment of the bracket to the bracket plates.
 20. A system consisting of: a first and second semi-cylindrical open column, one column each configured to couple with forearms of a user; a first and second elbow coupling extension attached at approximately ninety-degree angles to the first and second column, respectively; a first and second raised bracket plate positioned lengthwise along the first and second column, respectively, each bracket plate containing three apertures; a bracket configured to connect the bracket plates, the bracket containing apertures for attachment to apertures on the bracket plates; and a neck strap about thirty-six inches in length, each of two ends of the neck strap attached to the bracket, whereby attachment of the neck strap to the bracket and attachment of the bracket to the bracket plates restrict user arm motion during athletic training. whereby the athletic training is associated with bunting and slap-hitting in the sports of baseball and softball, whereby the system restricts motion of the user's arms, whereby the columns are about ten inches in length, whereby the first and second bracket plates are attached to the first and second columns, respectively, on convex sides of the columns opposite concave sides of the columns against which the user's forearms are positioned, whereby apertures on each bracket plate are positioned with a first aperture located at a length-center of the bracket plate and second and third apertures positioned approximately one inch from each end point of the bracket plate, whereby the bracket is made of at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), whereby the bracket comprises four apertures, a first and second aperture each positioned approximately one half-inch from opposite ends of the bracket, whereby a third and fourth aperture of the bracket are positioned approximately two inches from each endpoint of the bracket, whereby the first aperture connects by screw to a topmost aperture of the bracket plate on the first column and the second aperture connects by screw to a centered aperture on the second column, whereby the neck strap has a length adjustment feature, whereby each end of the neck strap has a clip with a spring-operated lever promoting attachment to the third and fourth apertures, whereby apertures on the bracket plate permit adjustment to accommodate left-handed batters and right-handed batters, whereby the neck strap includes a pad for placement against a back area of a neck of a user, whereby each column and associated elbow coupling extension comprises a single continuous component, whereby the length adjustment feature of the neck strap promotes use of the system by users of various physical sizes and athletic abilities, whereby a cushioned sleeve encases the neck strap, and whereby the cushioned sleeve is made of polyurethane (PU) foam and is approximately one inch in diameter. 